The United States government has announced a visa restriction policy directed at individuals who undermine democratic principles in Ghana, in anticipation of the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 7, 2024.
In a statement released on Monday, October 28, 2024, the U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to promoting democratic processes in Ghana. This initiative aims to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions and to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process.
The visa restrictions will apply to individuals assessed to be responsible for or complicit in actions that detract from democracy in Ghana. This encompasses individuals who manipulate or rig the electoral process, utilize violence to intimidate or coerce citizens, or engage in any activities intended to improperly influence the conduct or outcome of an election.
The statement highlighted, “Ghana has achieved three decades of democratic elections and peaceful transitions of power, which is a record to be proud of and a model to be upheld.” The implementation of these visa restrictions serves to underscore the United States’ support for the aspirations of all Ghanaians for a genuine democratic electoral process that reflects the will of the populace.
The Department of State is instituting this new visa restriction policy specifically targeting those whose actions undermine democracy in Ghana. Notably, this policy is not intended to affect the Ghanaian populace or the Government of Ghana.
This measure is executed pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which sanctions the Department of State’s authority to impose visa restrictions on individuals believed to be engaged in activities that subvert democratic norms. This includes manipulation or rigging of elections, employing violence to obstruct the exercise of individual rights, and adopting measures to intimidate political representatives, voters, or members of civil society and the media.
Certain family members of identified individuals may also be subject to these restrictions. Individuals who undermine democracy in Ghana, particularly in the lead-up to, during, and following the 2024 elections, may be determined to be ineligible for visas under this policy.
